Portably suspended retractable shelf

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a portably suspended retractable shelf for storing furniture-side items that includes a horizontal platform having an inner portion and an outer portion. In various embodiments, the inner portion is adapted to be slidably captured between an upper cushion and a lower supporting structure. At least one of a projector insert rotationally adjustable to a plurality of orientations and the following upward-facing compartments is disposed on the outer portion of the horizontal platform and is accessible to a user on the furniture: a collapsible basin, a hanging flexible pocket, and a foldable box. A cutout hole is configured to hold the projector insert or the compartments in a suspended configuration through the shelf. A downward-facing sliding drawer compartment is mounted and/or supported underneath the outer portion of the shelf. A storage container extends from a leading surface of the portable suspended retractable shelf. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of pending prior U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/191,175, filed Nov. 14, 2018 by Dan Cassfor a PORTABLY SUSPENDED RETRACTABLE SHELF, which in turn is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/891,171filed Feb. 7, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,136,737, which in turnis a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/049,394filed Feb. 22, 2016 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,924,805, which claimsthe benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 (e) of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/118,775, filed Feb. 20, 2015, and of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/134,120, filed Mar. 17, 2015.

The above-identified patent applications are hereby incorporated hereinby reference.

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 (e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/703,604, filed Jul. 26, 2018 byDan Cass for “Portably Suspended Retractable Shelf,” which patentapplication is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of small personal items need a temporary orpermanent storage location near a user on a bed, couch, or chair. Usersoften desire personal items such as MP3 players, keys, smart phones,PDAs, beverages, books, watches, reading glasses, and jewelry to beclose at hand. Yet, conventional furniture like end tables ornightstands may be expensive, or may take up too much room or beunavailable, such as in a college dorm, efficiency apartment, or hotelroom.

Various solutions to bedside storage of personal items have beenproposed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,954,188 (“Furniture AttachmentSystem and Methods of Use”) teaches a planar support tucked under amattress and supporting a vertical member alongside the box springs forstrapping a gun, flashlight, or lamp next to the bed. Unfortunately, theitems may be hard to reach for a user on the mattress. Further, theproposed straps or compartments may damage delicate items such asglasses, and may not accommodate beverage containers or cups.

In another example, U.S. Pat. Application No. US 2004/0261175 (“SundriesCaddy for Furniture”) teaches a horizontal planar member captured by acushion and supporting a vertical member having a receptacle with anopen upper end. However, the caddy is a permanent structure and may getin the way, such as when making the bed.

In a further example, U.S. Pat. Application No. US 2013/0291304(“Portable Bedside Container”) teaches a horizontal platform insertedbetween a mattress and box spring and supporting upward-pointing storagebins or pouches along the side of and substantially flush with the topof the mattress. Again, the storage compartments may be rigid and mayget in the way of the user, or interfere with making the bed. Further,no particular solution is proposed for accommodating beveragecontainers, nor is there a convenient place for keys or jewelry.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects oressential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summaryis not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of theclaimed subject matter.

In an embodiment, there is disclosed a portably suspended retractableshelf for storing bedside items and which may comprise a horizontalplatform having an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portionmay be adapted to be slidably captured between a mattress and a mattresssupporting structure. At least one of the following upward-facingcompartments may be disposed on the outer portion of the horizontalplatform and be accessible to a user on the mattress: a rigid container,a collapsible basin, a drink cup, a hanging flexible pocket, a foldablebox, a wireless charger, and a video projector. In some embodiments, thecompartments may be collapsible or removed for allowing the horizontalplatform to be slidably retracted under the mattress.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a method for portablysuspending a retractable shelf for storing bedside items and which maycomprise extending a horizontal platform from a bed or cushionedfurniture. The horizontal platform may have an inner portion and anouter portion. The method may further comprise slidably capturing theinner portion between a mattress and a mattress supporting structure.The method may further comprise disposing a projector insert on theouter portion of the horizontal platform for access by a user adjacentthe bed or the cushioned furniture, wherein the horizontal platform iscapable of being selectively retracted under the upper cushion memberwhen not in use, the projector insert being removable for allowing thehorizontal platform to be slidably retracted under the upper cushionmember. The method may further comprise rotationally positioning aspherical projector of the projector insert such that an optics portionof the spherical projector projects light in a desired direction.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the technology willbe set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part willbecome more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of thefollowing, or may be learned from practice of the technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention,including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to thefollowing figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout the various views unless otherwise specified. Illustrativeembodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1a-1c illustrate a portable shelf with a flexible pocket and acollapsible cup holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portable shelf having an empty basin hole forreceiving a storage member, a drink cup, an LED light, a charger unit,or other member, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a foldable storage box, in the form ofa twill box, mounted to a sliding platform and pulled away from themattress, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4a illustrates a sliding platform lying inside an envelope housing,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4b illustrates a twill box mounted to a portable shelf with anenvelope housing attached to a box bedside of the twill box, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a twill box folded against a mattress, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a sliding platform with a guide slot andenclosed by an envelope housing, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a horizontal platform slidably suspended from a bedand captured within an envelope housing, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a horizontal platform configured as a smart mediadesk, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a sliding drawer compartment mounted and/or supportedunderneath at least the outer portion of the shelf, in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a pair of horizontal platforms being used inconjunction with a bed, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a storage container extending from a leading surfaceof the portable suspended retractable shelf, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a horizontal platform with a retention cup and anLED light carried thereby, with the platform being suspended by a bed,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13a illustrates a bottom view of a horizontal platform with aformed receiving cavity for carrying a wireless charger, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13b illustrates a bottom view of the horizontal platform shown inFIG. 13 a, with the wireless charger in place within the formedreceiving cavity, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 14a and 14b illustrate a horizontal platform with an electronicscharger unit carried thereby, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 15a and 15b illustrate a horizontal bed platform or cushionfurniture shaped and/or otherwise designed to portray a known character,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, where thecharacter shelf could be used on cushion furniture.

FIGS. 16a and 16b illustrate a horizontal drink holder platformconfigured for suspension from a bed, couch or a chair, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a horizontal drink holder platform carried within aportable seat cushion, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 18a and 18b illustrate perspective views of an exemplaryembodiment of a projector insert configured for suspension from thehorizontal bed platform shown in at least 13 a-13 b, 14 a-14 b, 15 a-15b, or 19 a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18c illustrates the projector insert of FIGS. 18a and 18 b, asinstalled upon the horizontal bed platform of FIGS. 15a and 15 b, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 18d and 18e illustrate respective side and top plan views of theprojector insert of FIGS. 18a -18 c, having a gimbal system forrotationally mounting a spherical projector of the insert to agimbal-style mount of the insert, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 19a and 19b illustrate respective top and bottom perspective viewsof a horizontal platform configured with a platform extension and theprojector insert of FIGS. 18a and 18 b, in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a horizontal platform attachedto a platform extension configured with a right angle wall to elevatethe platform closer to a user on the upper cushion, in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 21a and 21b illustrate a horizontal platform downtilted 90 degreesfrom a platform extension configured with a hinge, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 22a and 22b illustrate a horizontal platform with an offsetportion configured provide a bridge or similar structure to allowpositioning of a platform extension inside of a bed rail, or othersimilar support, while positioning the horizontal platform outside ofthe bed rail, or other similar support.

FIG. 23 illustrates a horizontal platform with an inductive chargingpad, and with charging, data, or other similar type ports.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are described more fully below in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the system and method.However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms andshould not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forthherein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense.

When elements are referred to as being “connected” or “coupled,” theelements can be directly connected or coupled together or one or moreintervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when elements arereferred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled,” thereare no intervening elements present.

As may be appreciated, based on the disclosure, there exists a need inthe art for a portable shelf that can be suspended under a mattress orcushion and be retracted and/or removed when not in use. Further, thereexists a need in the art for a portable shelf storing personal, bedsideitems within easy reach of a user. And, there exists a need in the artfor a portably suspended shelf that accommodates beverage containers anda wide variety of personal items such as smart phones, books, jewelry,remote controls, keys, and reading glasses. Further, there exists a needin the art for a portable shelf disposed with a collapsible cup holderor another storage receiving component that can be removed from a bedand utilized as an eating tray or to support a laptop computer.

In an embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1a -1 c, a horizontal platform 50may have an inner portion 52 captured between a mattress 54 and amattress supporting structure 56 like a box springs. The platform 50 mayhave an outer portion 58 disposed with a flexible pocket 60 for holdinga cell phone 62 and a collapsible basin 64 for holding a glass or cup(not shown), beverage container 68, or one or more other items. Theinner portion 52 may be sized and dimensioned such that the horizontalplatform 50 is securely and frictionally captured while allowing theplatform 50 to be slidably retracted into or extended out from the bed70, as defined, in part, by the mattress 54 and the box springs 56. Theamount of the platform 50 which serves as the inner portion 52 may varyfrom use to use, but it is to be understood that a sufficient area ofthe platform 50 at any given time is to be used as the inner portion 52so as to provide a sufficient fulcrum/cantilever support for theremainder of the platform 50 and any objects carried thereon.

The platform 50 may be made of any material that is sufficiently strong,stiff, and durable enough for the present use environment, such as, butnot limited to, bamboo, particle board, wood, a plastic-wood compositematerial, a laminated material, metal, fiberglass, composites, polymers,copolymers, carbon fiber, or plexiglass. It is to be understood that theplatform 50, at least on the inner portion 52 thereof, may incorporate atextured or an otherwise improved-grip surface (not illustrated) to aidin its retention within the bed 70. The platform 50 member may furtherincorporate stiffening members (not shown), such as ridges on one sidethereof. The shape of the platform 50 may be rectangular with roundedcorners. Alternately, platform shapes (not shown) may be rectangular,square, oval, a trapezium, a pentagon, a triangle, or any shape thatcreates a supporting base for personal items. In addition, thehorizontal platform 50 may serve as a ledge for temporarily holding apair of socks while the user is putting them on.

Continuing with FIGS. 1a -1 c, in an embodiment, the flexible pocket 60may be a sleeve or a sock, and one or more pockets 60 may be mounted tothe rim (not shown) of a pocket hole 72 in the platform 50 and may hangbelow the bottom surface 74 of the platform 50. An overlay ring (notshown) may retain the flexible pocket 60 and be covered by fabric, andmay attach the pocket 60 by the ring attaching to the horizontalplatform 50. Alternately, the pocket 60 may hang from a collapsible rim(not shown) protruding above the platform 50, wherein the collapsiblerim is a top edge of a collapsible basin or cylinder, or a protrudingrim may be a coiled spring to be depressed prior to the platform beingretracted into the mattress. The flexible pocket 60 may be, by way ofexample, made of cloth, a plastic insert, a shear fabric, leather, or acollapsible silicone receptacle. The flexible pocket 60 may also be madeof a material that will not harm the lenses of reading glasses or thetouch screen of a smart phone. The shape of the pocket hole 72 may besquare, rectangular, circular, or oval, and the flexible pocket may beinterchangeable and shaped to accommodate a specific size and shape ofitems, such as needed for accommodating a particular size of electronicsdevice.

Referring still to FIGS. 1a -1 c, in an embodiment, the collapsiblebasin 64 may be a colander, bowl or cup holder (as are commerciallyavailable), and one or more basins 64 may be mounted each to the rim(not shown) of a basin hole 76 in the platform, and may be expanded toextend below the horizontal platform 50 when ready to hold a cup orbeverage container 68. The collapsible basin 64 may be fabricated ofconcentric rings 78 of rigid and flexible horizontal sections, which mayallow slidable movement between the rings 78 so as to permit the basin64 to be extended by pushing down on the topside 80 of the basin 64. Theextended basin 64 may provide a depth of one inch or more for securelyretaining a beverage container 68 or any other element which may fittherein and be adequately supported thereby. In an embodiment, the usermay collapse the basin 64 by pushing up on the bottom side 82 of thebasin 64 and thereby limit the amount that the basin 64 extends beyondthe top and bottom surfaces 84, 74 of the platform 50 to less thanapproximately ½ inch (not expressly indicated in the drawings). Inanother embodiment, the basin 64 may collapse such that it is flush withor inside the top and bottom surfaces 84, 74 of the platform. Thecollapsible basin 64 may be made of silicone, an FDA approvedfood-compliant material, fabric, a mesh screen, or any means that allowsvertical folding of the basin or cup holder 64 to allow retraction ofthe platform beneath the mattress 54 or a cushion (not shown here). Theshape of the basin 64 and the corresponding basin hole 76 may be square,rectangular, circular, or oval. It is to be understood that it isadvantageous that the shape and size of the basin 64 and thecorresponding basin hole 76 should mate sufficiently well to permit thebasin 64 to extend through the basin hole 76 but yet still be able to beretained by the edges of the basin hole 76. Further, it is to beunderstood that a basin hole 76 may be used to receive other objects(e.g., LED light, charger unit, a beverage cup (directly), etc.) besidesa collapsible basin 64, as will be described later in various sectionsof the specification.

Continuing with FIGS. 1a -1 c, in an embodiment, a given inner portion52 of the horizontal platform 50 may be slidably retracted underneaththe mattress to reduce the length of the outer portion 58 of theplatform 50 that is available for storing personal items. Alternately,the platform may be completely or nearly hidden/retracted (not shown)under the mattress 54 by removing personal items and collapsing thecollapsible basin 64 to a nearly flat structure. The flexible pocket 60may be sized and fabricated so that it folds up close to the outersurfaces 84 and/or 74 of the horizontal platform 50, and/or may beadapted to retract into the pocket hole 72, thereby allowing theplatform 50 to be retracted underneath the mattress 54. The friction ofthe surface of the inner portion 52 of the platform 50 and thedimensions of the platform 50 may be optimized so that the leverage ofthe length/area (not labeled) of the inner portion 52 of the platform 50and the weight of the mattress 54 allow the mattress 54 and mattresssupporting structure 56 to securely capture the horizontal platform 50while allowing slidable extension and retraction thereof relative to thebed 70.

The platform width PW of the horizontal platform 50 may, in onevariation, range from approximately 4 inches to approximately 24 inches,and the platform length PL may, in one variation, range fromapproximately 12 inches to approximately 24 inches from the innerportion to the outer portion. Other platform widths PW and platformlengths PL outside of these ranges could, in some instances be possible.As a general rule, the platform length PL must be large enough toprovide for a sufficient inner portion 52 to facilitate support of theouter portion 58 and the items being carried thereby. The outer portion58 of the platform length PL should be large enough to provide adequatesupport area for any bedside items that it is to carry but should not beso large so as to create a trip hazard for someone getting out of thebed 70.

Referring still to FIGS. 1a -1 c, in an embodiment, the elasticity anddimensions of the portable shelf 50 may be chosen to allow thecushioning provided by the mattress 54 and the mattress-supportingstructure 56 to be substantially unaltered by the portable shelf 50. Forexample, a flexible composite or plastic material may be used toconstruct a horizontal platform 50 that substantially transfersnon-planar pressures in the mattress 54 through to the mattresssupporting structure 56 such that the user of the mattress 54 cannottell (e.g., via increased firmness) that the portable shelf 50 ispresent.

In embodiments not shown, referring to FIGS. 1a -1 c, the mattress 54may be the cushion of a chair or sofa, and the mattress supportingstructure 56 may be a box spring, a bed frame, a bunk bed board or base,a chair base, or a sofa base. In an even broader sense, though, in termsof the current and previous examples, the mattress or a cushion of achair or sofa may be considered to be the upper cushion member 168 (FIG.16b ) of that given piece of furniture, and its corresponding one of abox spring, a bed frame, a bunk bed board or support, a seat base, achair base, or a sofa base may be considered the lower cushion supportmember or furniture base 160. That is to say, in prior embodiments,where the bed 70 was the piece of furniture shown, it is to beunderstood that the mattress 54 served as the upper cushion member 168,and the mattress supporting structure 56 served as the lower cushionsupport member 170.

Advantageously, the portable shelf 50 may be easily adjusted in locationwithout the use of tools by lifting up the mattress 54 and inserting theportable shelf 50 in another location within the bed 70; sliding theshelf 50 to a new location below the mattress 54; or pulling the shelf50 out and moving it to be used with another piece of furniture. Forexample, the portable shelf 50 may be moved to a convenient locationsuspended from a couch or chair (similar to FIGS. 34b-34c ) for watchinga movie. Alternately, a portable shelf 50 with collapsible compartments64 may be portably attached or integrated to permanent or existingshelving or cabinetry within a home, building structure, or anautomobile armrest, automobile dashboards or center consoles, ahousehold countertop, a restaurant table, a park bench, a church pew, ababy car seat, a baby food table or tray, an RV, a camper, a boat, or ashed. In another example, not shown, an S-type mounting bracket (orother types of supports, including, for example, an angle bracket orother supporting brace mechanism) may be used to mount a portable shelf50 when the mattress 54 or sofa seating cushion is being held in placeby a trim board. For example, boats, recreation vehicle seating,sleeping areas, children's storage beds, twin beds, and bunk beds, mayhave a trim board that prevents the portable shelf 50 from beingcaptured between a mattress 54 and a mattress supporting structure 56.The S-type mounting bracket may allow the horizontal platform 50 to bemounted and used as a portable and stationary unit.

In other embodiments not shown, suction cups or sliding/guide mechanismsmay be used to retractably or temporarily suspend the portable shelf 50from a countertop, a school desk, a restaurant table, a park bench, achurch pew, a recreation vehicle, a structure in a camper, a structurein a boat, or a console or dashboard in an automobile. For example,suction cups may be used to temporarily attach a top surface of aportable shelf to the underside of a kitchen cabinet for convenientlysupporting personal items like a beverage container or a smart phone. Aplatform housing may slidably enclose a horizontal platform disposedwith a flexible pocket and a collapsible basin, and the platform housingmay have suction cups attaching the portable shelf to a kitchen cabinetfor temporarily and inexpensively suspending additional storagecompartments. In this variation, the horizontal platform may function asa drawer sliding in the platform housing. Alternately, releasable drawerguides may be installed on furniture or kitchen cabinets and may receivecomplementary tracks mounted to the sides of the horizontal platform forslidably suspending a portable shelf having collapsible compartments. Arelease lever on the drawer guide may allow the horizontal platform tobe relocated easily and without tools.

Referring again to FIGS. 1a -1 c, in embodiments not shown, thecollapsible basin 64 and flexible pocket 60 may be attached to the outerportion 58 of the horizontal platform 50 using glue, Velcro (a hook andloop fastener), a snap-in assembly mating with a groove in the platform,mechanical fasteners, or may be otherwise bonded or molded to fit to thebasin hole and pocket hole, respectively. Alternately, the platform 50and at least one compartment (not shown with respect to FIGS. 1a-1c )may be molded as one piece, such as a recess for holding reading glassesor as a retention cup. Optionally, the shape of the horizontal platform50 may mimic a cartoon character or other figure (FIGS. 15a -15 b,where, for example, Mickey Mouse (Walt Disney Co.) is depicted), whereinsome recognizable feature 86 of the figure, such as the ears for Mickey,may align with an aspect of the portable shelf 50, such as a locationfor receiving a collapsible cup holder or another receiver element.

Referring now to FIGS. 1a -1 c, 2, and 10, in an embodiment, additionalvariations of the portable shelf 50 described above may include makingthe horizontal platform out of plastic, wood, or other structuralmaterials, as alluded to previously. Also, as seen from FIG. 10, it maybe possible to use two or more portable shelves 50 at a given timewithin a bed 70. As seen per one of the portable shelves 50 in FIG. 2, ahandle 87 may be provided in the outer portion 58 to aid pulling of theshelf 50, especially from a retracted position. The handle 87 may, forexample, be in the form of an appropriately sized and shapedthrough-slot proximate the free edge (not labeled) of the shelf 50, orit may be in the form of a separately attached pull mechanism (notshown).

Additionally, two basin holes 76 may be disposed side by side on aplatform 50, as shown in FIG. 2, for capturing a pair of collapsiblebasins 64 (cup holders) or other items (e.g., storage cup, LED light,electronics charging unit, a drink cup, etc.). The thickness PT of ahorizontal platform 50 may be varied to optimize stability, frictionalcapture by the mattress 54 and mattress supporting structure 56, andslidability. For example, a plastic cutting board material (whichtypically has a textured surface) may be used to fabricate thehorizontal platform 50, and the thickness of the platform may range fromapproximately ¼ inch to approximately 1 inch. Other thicknesses may beemployed as dictated by a balance of design objectives.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, in an embodiment, a foldable storage box 88, asis commercially available (e.g., a twill box), with severalupward-facing compartments 90 may have walls 92, including a pair ofsidewalls 92 a, interior walls 92 b, a box front wall 92 c, and a boxback wall 92 d, and such walls 92 may be made of twill fabric sewnaround supporting stiffeners (not shown) such as paper, cardboard,plastic, or metal. The sidewalls 92 a and/or the interior walls 92 bforming the compartments 90 may be hinged at wall joints 94 tofacilitate folding of a given storage box 88 from box room side 96(i.e., including the box front wall 92 c and being the side opposite thebed 70 and facing the room (not shown) in which the bed 70 is located)toward a box bed side 98 (i.e., including the box back wall 92 d andbeing the side directly facing the bed 70), as the sliding horizontalplatform 50 is retracted underneath a mattress 54 or cushion. Anoptional fabric floorboard or bottom 100 may be installed withoutstiffeners for collapsing easily upon folding of the sidewalls 92. Thefloorboard 100 may have a loop (not shown) sewn into it for pulling thefoldable box 88 off the horizontal platform 50.

The foldable box 88 may be mounted to an envelope box or platformhousing 104 (which will be described in more detail later) or directlyto a sliding horizontal shelf 50 using a Velcro fastener 102 (FIG. 4a-4b), glue, screws, stings, rope, rivets, and or turning or lockingmechanisms (the latter examples not being shown) for easy removal forcleaning/washing. To facilitate retraction, a user may crease the sides92 of the twill box 88 in initiate hinging of the wall joints 94, andthen may push the box room side 96 toward the mattress 54 to fold thebox 88 and slide the platform 50 under the mattress 54. Advantageously,the foldable box 88 may be made to lie nearly flush against the mattress54, as per FIG. 5, so it is out of the way when not in use, such as whenmaking the bed 70. Yet, the platform 50 may be extended below (e.g.,partially or fully thereunder, as can be seen in part in FIG. 5) thefoldable storage box 88, when the foldable storage box 88 is deployed,in order to provide a further level of support for the foldable storagebox 88. The ability to have the platform 50 be able to be moved relativeto the foldable box 88 is facilitated by attaching the foldable storagebox to the platform housing 104 while allowing the platform 50 to beslidably movable relative to and under the foldable storage box 88.

Additionally, other collapsible compartments 64, such as a collapsiblecup holder, may be disposed on the horizontal platform 50 and next tothe foldable storage box 88. Twill, in one variation, may be used inorder to hide stains and creases better than other textiles or outermaterials, such as a shear fabric. The inside of the foldable box 88,however, may be sewn with a sheer fabric. It is to be understood thatany various fabrics or materials (e.g., plastic, elastomer, etc.) may beused in association with the foldable box 88, as warranted by thesituation (e.g., decorative, washability, and/or wear purposes).

Continuing with FIGS. 3-5, in embodiments not shown, the foldable box 88may store a variety of electronic devices such as a media (e.g.,cable/TV) remote control, cell phone, iPad, MP3 player, PDA, laptopcomputer, hearing device (e.g. hearing aid), baby monitor, emergencyweather radio, or two-way radio devices. In addition, the portable shelf50, the storage cup 64 or the drink cup 148 may be augmented to supportthe charging of electronic devices (described later in more detail withrespect to FIGS. 13a-14b ) while being stored in the foldable storagebox. For example, the horizontal platform 50 may be equipped with anotch or a slot (not shown here) in the front, back or side for holdinga power cord, USB cord, or a charging cord to support chargingmechanisms for electrical devices being stored it the foldable box 88.In addition, the portable shelf or platform 50, the storage cup 64 orthe drink cup 148 may integrate electrical wiring (or other chargingmechanisms, including, for example, wireless (magnetic inductive, nearfield radio frequency, RF chip and magnetic resonance chargingmechanisms) supplying AC/DC or USB power to electrical devices beingstored on the portable shelf 50, the storage cup 64 or the drink cup 148installed in basin hole 76 to be described later with respect to FIGS.13a -14 b. For example, a power cord may couple to electrical wiresembedded in the horizontal shelf which may then feed an interchangeablecharging base mounted in one of the upward-facing compartments withinthe foldable storage box, the charging base matched to charge a cellphone or other electronic devices. Also, the same power cord feeding thehorizontal shelf may feed low voltage ambient lighting to illuminate theshelf so that it can be easily located at night.

In other embodiments not shown, the storage compartments of the foldablestorage box may be sized and configured to store a glass or bottlecontaining a beverage, eye glasses, a watch, keys, jewelry, variouselectronic devices, medicine containers, and other bedside items.Additionally, items such as keys, jewelry, books, electronic devices,medicine containers, and other bedside items may be stored on flat spaceadjacent to the foldable storage box. The shape of the foldable box maybe square, rectangular, circular, oval, or an irregular polygon withhinged walls for folding.

The foldable box 88 may provide one large upward-facing compartment 90(not expressly shown) for storing bedside items and may have walls 92made of twill fabric sewn around supporting stiffeners (not expresslyshown) such as paper, cardboard, plastic, or metal. Each of twosidewalls 92 a may be vertically hinged between stiffeners to allow auser to crease in the sidewalls 92 a and fold the box room side 96toward the box bed side 98 for retracting the portable shelf 50 againsta mattress 54. The foldable box 88 may be mounted to a slidinghorizontal platform 50 using Velcro fasteners 102 or other means notedabove. Having one upward facing compartment 90 may allow the storage oflarger bedside items, like a laptop computer or iPad (not shown).Alternatively, other collapsible compartments 64, such as a collapsiblecup holder, or other receptacles may be disposed on the outer portion 58of the horizontal platform 50 on areas not occupied by the flexible box88.

Referring now to FIGS. 4a -4 b, 6 a-6 b, and 7, in an embodiment, asliding horizontal platform 50 may be enclosed by a platform housing orenvelope 104 having a housing outside surface 106 frictionally capturedbetween the mattress 54 and the mattress supporting structure 56. Theplatform housing 104 may slidably enclose at least the inner portion 52of the horizontal platform 50 and be configured for retraction andextension of the outer portion 58 of the portable shelf 50 (i.e., theouter portion 58 or at least some amount thereof may also be retractedinto the platform housing 104). The platform housing 104 (envelope boxhousing) may have an envelope housing frame 108 framing an upper andlower housing members 110, 112 frictionally captured by the mattress 54and the mattress supporting structure 56, respectively. While theplatform housing 104 has been shown used with a bed 70, it is to beunderstood that it could be used with other types of furniture employingan upper cushion member and lower cushion support member between whichthe platform housing 104 may be deployed.

The two functions of sliding and capturing may be thereby separated,much like a drawer sliding in a dresser, wherein the sliding function ofthe portable shelf 50 may occur between the horizontal platform 50 andthe platform housing 104, and the capturing function of the portableshelf 50 may occur between the platform housing 104 and the mattress 54above and mattress supporting structure 56 below, thus permitting a morerefined design. In the version shown, bed-side frame opening 114 of theplatform housing frame 108 is wide enough to accommodate the sliding ofthe inner and outer portions 52, 58 of the horizontal platform 50 in andout thereof. However, in one variant (not shown), the inner portion 52of the portable shelf 50 may be wider than the outer portion 58 thereof,and bed-side frame opening 114 of the platform housing frame 108 may benarrower than the inner portion 52 but at least as wide as the outerportion 58, thereby serving to prevent the inner portion 52 from beingpulled too far out. The width HW of the platform housing 104 should besufficient to accommodate the width PW of the horizontal platform 50and, in one variation, may range up to approximately 24 inches.Likewise, the length HW of the platform housing 104 may be sized toaccommodate the length of the horizontal platform in both the extendedand retracted positions and, in one version, may range from approximate12 inches to approximately 24 inches.

Referring still to FIGS. 4a -4 b, 6 a-6 b, and 7, in an embodiment, thehorizontal platform 50 may be configured with a foldable box 88 havingone (not shown) or several (shown) upward-facing storage compartments90, as described above, wherein the foldable box 88, in one variation,may be made of twill fabric sewn around supporting stiffeners such aspaper, cardboard, plastic, or metal. The walls 92 forming thecompartments 90 may be hinged (for example, a mechanical or another typeof living hinge) at wall joints 94 to facilitate folding of a box roomside 96 toward a box bed side 98 as the sliding horizontal platform 50is retracted underneath a mattress 54 or cushion.

The foldable box 88 may be mounted to a sliding horizontal platform 50using Velcro (FIG. 4b ) or other fasteners and described above.Optionally (FIGS. 3, 4 b, and 5), the box bed side 98 of the foldablebox 88 may be attached to the housing outer surface 106 of the platformhousing 104 for permitting the relative movement of the horizontalplatform 50 therebelow. In particular, as the box room side 98 of thefoldable box 88 is pulled out from the bed 70, the horizontal platform50 may likewise be pulled out to provide support beneath the foldablebox 88. It is to be understood that, though not expressly shown, theunderside of the box room side 98 of the foldable box 88 could beattached, e.g., via Velcro (hook and loop fasteners), to a leadingportion of the horizontal platform 50, with the box bed side 98 beingattached to the platform housing 104, as shown. In attaching thefoldable box 88 in this manner, pulling out of the horizontal platform50 would also initiate expansion of the foldable box 88, and pushing thehorizontal platform 50 (fully or partially) into the platform housing104 would likewise cause the collapse of the foldable box 88. Forexample, three Velcro attachment members 116 may attach the box bed side98 of the foldable box 88 to the platform housing 104. Alternately, thefoldable box 88 and the platform housing 104 may be separable from oneother (e.g., the case where the foldable box 88 is affixed directly tothe horizontal platform 50 but not the platform housing 104), allowingthe foldable box 88 to extend out from the mattress 54 by a distancegreater than the perimeter/footprint of the foldable box 88, as seen inFIG. 3.

Continuing with FIGS. 4a -4 b, 6 a-6 b, and 7, in an embodiment, a guideslot 118 in the horizontal platform 50 (sliding divider shelf) may beelongated along a guide slot length SL of the inner portion 52 of theportable shelf 50 and may mate with a guide pin 120 extending from theupper housing member 110 and/or the lower housing member 112 of theplatform housing 104 (envelope box housing) for engaging and aligningthe horizontal platform 50 with the platform housing 104 duringextension and retraction. The guide slot 118 and guide pin 120 may limitthe travel of the horizontal platform 50 via end stops 122 a, 122 bassociated with the guide slot 118. The guide pin 120 may be a dowel.The use of a platform housing 104 with a guide slot 118 and guide pin120 may facilitate a portable shelf 50 with a foldable box 88 whose boxbed side 98 is flush against the mattress 54 when fully retracted andwhose box room side 96 is folded against the box bed side 98 (separatedonly by the presence of any folded interior walls 92 b) when retracted.

Advantageously, the portable shelf 50 may slide smoothly and uniformlyperpendicularly to the mattress 50, and the sliding function may beindependent of the mattress-capturing function of the platform housing104. Additionally, the position of the horizontal platform 50 and anyupward-facing compartments 90 may be reliably known by the user, evenwhen not visible, such as during nighttime. The guide slot 118 and pin120 may prevent the platform 50 from being accidentally pulled fully outof the platform housing 104 (enclosure). In another embodiment notshown, the guide slot 118 may be disposed on the platform housing 104and the guide pin 120 may be disposed on the horizontal platform 50.Additionally, multiple guide slot and pin combinations may be employedto limit travel and guide the extension and retraction of the horizontalplatform, thereby adding stability to the sliding process.

It is to be understood that such a slot-and-pin guidance system can beemployed with any of the variants shown herein (not just for thoseemploying a flexible box 88), so long as such variants are reasonablyconducive to the use of a platform housing 104. Finally, it is to beunderstood that a guide pin 120 may extend from just one surface and beof a height so as to permit the dislodging of the platform 50 therefrom(e.g., by lifting and/or tipping the platform 50). Thus, theslot-and-pin guidance system need not permanently mount the platform 50within the platform housing 104 yet can still serve to retain theplatform 50 therein under regular use circumstances.

Referring still to FIGS. 4a -4 b, 6 a-6 b, and 7, in an embodiment, theguide pin 120 may be a dowel made of wood, bamboo, plastic, composites,polymers, copolymers, plexiglass, carbon fiber or metal. The dowel mayattach to one or both of the upper housing member 110 and the lowerhousing member 112. The dowel rod/guide pin 120 attaching to both upperand lower housing members 110, 112 may add structural support to theplatform housing 104. The elasticity and dimensions of the platformhousing 104 may be chosen to allow the cushioning provided by themattress 54 and the mattress-supporting structure 56 to be substantiallyunaltered by the portable shelf, preferably so long as the elasticityand/or the compression afforded by the platform housing 104 is not sogreat so as to effectively act as brake on the sliding of the platform50 within the platform housing 104.

For example, the elasticity and dimensions of the platform housing 104may be chosen to substantially transfer non-planar pressures in themattress 54 through to the mattress supporting structure 56 such thatthe user of the mattress 54 cannot tell that the portable shelf 50 ispresent. The mattress 54 may be the cushion of a chair or sofa, and themattress supporting structure 56 may be a box spring, a bed frame, abunk bed board or support, a chair base, or a sofa base. The portableshelf assembly 124 made of the horizontal platform 50 and the enclosingplatform housing 104 may be easily adjusted in location without the useof tools by lifting up the mattress 54 and moving (via inserting orsimply sliding) the portable shelf assembly 124 to another locationwithin the bed 70 or moving it to another piece of furniture (similar toFIG. 16b ). For example, the portable shelf 50 may be moved to aconvenient location suspended from a couch or chair for watching amovie.

In other embodiments not shown, the platform housing 104 may be portablyattached to permanent shelving or cabinetry within a home, to anautomobile armrest, automobile dashboards or center consoles, ahousehold countertop, a restaurant table, a park bench, a church pew, ababy car seat, a baby food table or tray, an RV, a camper, a boat, or ashed. For example, an S-type mounting bracket may be used to mount aportable shelf when the mattress or sofa seating cushion is being heldin place by a trim board. Also, suction cups or sliding/guide mechanismsmay be used to retractably or temporarily suspend the portable shelffrom a countertop, a school desk, a restaurant table, a park bench, achurch pew, a structure within a recreation vehicle, a structure in acamper, a structure in a boat, or a console or dashboard in anautomobile. For example, suction cups may be used to temporarily attacha top surface of a portable shelf to the underside of a kitchen cabinetfor conveniently supporting personal items like a beverage container ora smart phone. In another embodiment not shown, the guide slot and guidepin may be replaced with one or more drawer slides mounted between theplatform housing and the horizontal platform for maintaining alignmentand limiting travel. The drawer slide may have a locking mechanism forlimiting travel. Thus, in the broadest sense, the slot and pincombination and/or a drawer slide are deemed to be general equivalentsas both may provide a sliding guide and at least one stop for themovement of the horizontal platform relative to the platform housing.

Still referring to FIGS. 4a -4 b, 6 a-6 b, and 7, in an embodiment, theplatform housing 104 may comprise a bed-side frame opening or housingmouth 114 through which a horizontal platform 50 or at least a partthereof is configured to pass. The platform 50 and the platform housing104, as described previously, may accommodate a guide slot and guide pinarrangement for limiting travel and guiding extension and retraction ofthe horizontal platform 50. In an embodiment, the housing length HL ofthe platform housing may be as little as approximately 1 inch (i.e.,essentially enough to define an entryway for the platform 50 between themattress 54 and the underlying mattress support 56), substantiallyreducing the impact of the platform housing 104 on mattress dynamics.The housing mouth 114 may provide a controlled friction enclosure forthe sliding horizontal platform 50 while capturing the mattress 54 andmattress supporting structure 56. Velcro (i.e., a hook-and-loopfastener) disposed on the housing mouth 114 of a platform housing 104may face the mattress 54 and/or mattress supporting structure 56 and mayenhance the frictional capture of the portable shelf 50 by the bed 70 orfurniture. A foldable box 88 may be disposed on the sliding horizontalplatform 50 (e.g., attached directly thereto and/or able to sit thereon,with the horizontal platform 50 being slidable relative thereto) forholding bedside items. The length HL of the platform housing 104 may beextended partially or completely inwardly from the housing mouth 114 tomore completely enclose the horizontal platform 50.

Continuing and referring to FIGS. 6a -6 b, an embodiment similar toFIGS. 4a-4b is presented, and, as such, part numbering, for simplicity,has remained the same. However, where variances occur, those aredescribed in relation to the present embodiment. A plastic horizontalplatform 50 may have a guide slot 118 (dowel sliding guide) mating witha guide pin 120 (dowel) in a platform housing 104 (envelope box housing)enclosing at least a section of the horizontal platform 50. The platformhousing 104 may include an envelope housing frame 108 and an upper andlower housing member 110, 112. The envelope housing frame 108 may borderor frame the perimeter of platform housing 104 and serve to space theupper and lower housing members 110, 112 from one another. The upper andlower housing members 110, 112 may be captured between the mattress 54and mattress supporting structure 56. The guide pin 120 (dowel) mayattach to both upper and lower housing members 110, 112 for stabilizingthe assembly. For example, the guide pin 120 may prevent the housingmembers 110, 112 from compressing the enclosed horizontal platform 50and thereby prevent restricted platform movement. In an embodiment, thehorizontal platform 50 may be configured with one or more collapsiblecompartments 64 for facilitating retraction of the horizontal platform50 into the platform housing 104. For example, the horizontal platform50 may be disposed with a collapsible basin 64 such as a collapsible cupholder and a hanging flexible pocket 60 for holding bedside items suchas a beverage container and a cell phone.

In other embodiments not shown, a horizontal platform 50 equipped with acollapsible basin 64 or other containment receptacle may be mounted orintegrated in a molded airplane tray table, a baby car seat, the armrestof a car, hunting or fishing equipment, ladder tree stands, huntingblinds, chairs and seat, or an ice fishing shanty. In addition, asliding horizontal platform equipped with a collapsible cup holder(basin) may be slidably captured by a cushion or mattress structure ofthe above applications, providing a retractable and portable shelf.Alternately, a sliding horizontal platform equipped with collapsiblecompartments, such as a collapsible cup holder, may be enclosed by aplatform housing mounted to outfit an airplane tray table, a baby carseat, the armrest of a car, hunting or fishing equipment, ladder treestands, hunting blinds, chairs or seats, or an ice fishing shanty.

The platform 50 may be contoured and sized as a dual-purpose lapdesk 50a (FIG. 8) that is removable from suspension by the bed 70 or furniturefor being positioned on the lap 126 of a user. The lapdesk 50 a may bemade of particle board, wood, a plastic-wood composite material, or alaminated material, as shown, or may be made of metal, plastic,fiberglass, polymers, copolymers, carbon fiber, or plexiglass (notshown). The collapsible basin 64 may be extended by pressing down on theinner/top side surface 80 of the bottom, and may be collapsed bypressing up on the outer/bottom side surface 82 of the bottom, aspreviously discussed. The lapdesk 50 a may be further configured tocarry other retention elements (e.g., a flexible pocket 60), as well.Although not expressly shown, it is to be understood that multiplevariants and uses of the lapdesk 50 a (e.g., as computer/smart workstation and as an eating area) may be readily apparent for such a lapdesk, as well as different ways for arranging a given lapdesk 50 a on auser's lap 126, with such uses being considered within the scope of thisdisclosure.

The version of the lapdesk 50 a shown in FIG. 8 provides a concave deskedge 128 to allow the lapdesk 50 a to conform more closely to a user'storso (not labeled). It is to be understood that, although not shown,the bottom side of the lapdesk 50 a may be configured to releasablycarry a cushion (e.g., via a Velcro (hook and loop) fastener, snap-fitfastener, etc.) to improve the comfort of the user and to help thelapdesk 50 a to stay in place on a user's lap 126. In another variant,such a cushion could be permanently attached to the bottom of thelapdesk 50 a.

In embodiments that may not be expressly shown, a horizontal platform 50disposed with one or more collapsible basins 64 and/or flexible pockets60 may be removed from suspension by a bed 70 or furniture and utilizedas a lapdesk 50 a, being positioned on a user's lap 126 for eating (notshown) or for working on a laptop 130 or with other electronics (notshown). As a computer work platform, the lapdesk 50 a may function as aSmart Media Desk holding a laptop 130 and/or other electronics (e.g.,smart phone, iPad, etc.). The bottom of the horizontal platform may bedisposed with a bottom rest (not shown) comprising a molded orconformable cushion for securely and comfortably resting on the lap/legs126 of a user. For example, a bottom rest may comprise memory foam,kapok, or buckwheat covered with fabric or leather and shapeable toconform to the lap or legs of a user.

The contour of the horizontal platform 50 a, in the form of the concavedesk edge 128, may be curved concavely toward the user to provide abetter fit to the waist (not labeled) of the user. The platform 50 a maybe shaped to provide an extended surface or support areas 136 forwrists, a computer mouse, and/or a cup holder. A concave contour 128fitting the user's waist may be an inner portion 52 of the horizontalshelf 50, 50 a normally captured beneath the mattress 54. A collapsiblebasin 64, such as a collapsible colander or bowl, may be disposed nearthe edge of the horizontal platform 50, 50 a for supporting a drinkingglass (not shown) or beverage container 68. A hanging flexible pocket 60may support a cell phone 62, reading glasses (not shown), or otherpersonal items. Alternately, a collapsible cup holder centrally located(not shown) on the horizontal platform 50, 50 a may be configured torecess below the surface for allowing a laptop 130 to rest fully againstthe platform 50, 50 a.

Continuing with potential embodiments that are not expressly shown, thehorizontal platform 50, 50 a (portable shelf) may also be configuredwith a foldable box (not shown) removable for utilizing the horizontalplatform 50 as a lapdesk 50 a. The lapdesk 50 a may be sized toaccommodate a laptop 130, iPad (not shown), eating utensils (not shown),a cell/smart phone 62, a computer mouse 134, and/or to provide supportareas 136 for the wrists (not shown) or for personal items.Additionally, a non-slip grip pad (not shown) may be affixed to the topsurface of the horizontal platform to prevent a cell phone or otheritems from sliding off. In an embodiment not shown, a horizontalplatform 50 configured for use as a lapdesk 50 a (e.g., eating area,Smart Media Desk) may be mated with a platform housing 104 enclosing thehorizontal platform when captured by a mattress and mattress supportingstructure. A user desiring to utilize the lapdesk feature of the SmartShelf lapdesk 50 a may remove a horizontal platform 50 supported byreleasable guides from the platform housing 104 and may position thehorizontal platform on the user's lap. The platform 50 may be rotated by180 degrees from its captured bed position and used as a lapdesk 50 asuch that an outer portion 52 being a convex long side 138 may noworient away from the lapdesk user (not labeled).

In an embodiment not shown, a horizontal platform 50 (portable shelf)functioning as a lapdesk 50 a may be used as an eating tray or functionas a smart media desk and may be may be rotated by 90 degrees from itscaptured bed position and used as a lapdesk 50 a with the width PW ofthe platform 50 aligned with the lap/legs 126 of a user. A collapsiblebasin 64 mounted to a basin hole 76 may support a beverage container 68,and a flexible pocket 60 mounted to a pocket hole may support a cellphone. It is to be understood that the basin hole 76, in any of thevariants shown for the platform 50/lapdesk 50 a, could serve directly asa drink cup holder in an instance where the drink cup is wider indiameter at the top than at the bottom (i.e., has a tapering diameter soas to prevent the drink cup from passing through the receiver hole).

With reference to FIGS. 9-14 b and some variations that are notexpressly shown, there is provided various embodiments of a portablesuspended retractable shelf 50 for storing bedside items that has aninner portion 52 that slides under a mattress 70 or cushioned furnitureand an outer portion 58 that serves as a shelf. As described above, theinner portion 52 may be configured to be captured between a mattress 54and a mattress supporting structure 56 like a box springs. The platform50 may have an outer portion 58 disposed with a flexible pocket 60 forholding a cell phone 62 and a collapsible basin 64 for holding a glass(not shown), beverage container 68, or other items. The inner portion 52may be sized and dimensioned such that the horizontal platform 50 issecurely and frictionally captured while allowing the platform 50 to beslidably retracted into or extended out from the bed 70. In addition tothe embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1-14 b, the upward-facing shelf 50may also use the basin or cutout hole 76 for the collapsible basin 64 asa standalone holder (i.e., direct holder) for cups, glasses, mugs, etc.The hole 76 may be sized both for a given collapsible basin 64 and forholding certain sized cups, bottles, and bedside items. It is to beunderstood that the collapsible basin 64 need not necessarily have to bejust cup-shaped. The collapsible basin 64 may be take on any of avariety shapes (e.g., generally rectangular, oval, etc.), so long as thebasin hole 76 matches the item it is to receive and is thus able to holdit in place relative to the horizontal platform 50. Alternatively, thecollapsible basin 64 may be removed (or not inserted) to hold largersize receptacles and/or cups (e.g., soft drink cup) 140 (FIGS. 10 and11) that are designed to be narrower at the bottom and wider at the top.In this manner of configuration, the receptacle or cup 140 may bedropped/placed into the otherwise empty basin or cutout hole 76 and heldin place thereby essentially by the portion of the cup 140 larger indiameter than the basin or cutout hole 76. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate acup 140 disposed within the hole 76 in a suspended configuration with aportion of the cup 140 extending through the shelf 50.

With reference to FIG. 9, and in an exemplary embodiment, the same shelf50 as discussed herein may also offer one or more sliding drawercompartment(s) 142 of various sizes mounted and/or supported underneaththe outer portion 58 of the shelf 50. The sliding drawer compartments142 may open and close from any of the three exposed sides (front, leftor right; not labeled) of the outer portion 58 of the shelf 50. Theshelf 50 and/or a given drawer compartment 142 may incorporate a handle(not labeled) to aid pulling thereof.

With reference to FIG. 11, and in another exemplary embodiment, theremay be provided a storage container 144 extending from a leading surface146 of the portable suspended retractable shelf 50, with the storagecontainer being releasable attached (e.g., via a clamp) or permanentlyattached (e.g., via adhesive, threaded fastener, etc.) to that leadingsurface/edge 146 of the horizontal platform 50. In one embodiment, thestorage container 144 may be collapsible to extend downwardly (shown) tohold various items and retract upwardly (not shown) for storage ortransport of the portable suspended retractable shelf 50. It is to beunderstood that the portable shelf 50 may include a corresponding basinhole 76, not shown, sized to accommodate a storage container 144. It isto be understood that various collapsible basins or other collapsiblecontainers are commercially available, and the use of any these sorts ofbasins or containers within the context generally described isconsidered to be with the scope of the present system.

Referring now to FIG. 12, in an embodiment, a horizontal platform 50(portable shelf) may provide a storage cup 148 and an LED light 150,each of which may be received in a respectively sized and shaped basinhole 76. The storage cup 148 may be able to hold a beverage container 68and/or other items (e.g., pens, change, watch, cell phone, etc.). Such astorage cup 148 may be rigid in nature and may be formed of a clear oropaque plastic, among other materials. Each of the storage cup 148 andthe LED light 150 may, in one variation, be removably received in theirrespective basin hole 76 to permit their removal if it is desired tofully retract the platform 50 into the bed 70 if not otherwise possibleto do so already. The LED light 150 is a commercially available,battery-powered unit, which, when employed with the platform 50, servesas a source of light at a user's bedside, being able to be used as anaide for preparing for bed and/or as a night light, as desired. Althoughnot shown, it is to be understood that the LED light could instead havea plug and/or a power cord associated therewith for connection to anelectrical outlet.

The LED light 150, as one may expect from FIG. 12, would have a firstportion (not shown) that is sized and configured to be received in acorresponding basin hole 76 (e.g., a slight friction fit could in facthelp keep it in place, but a generally close fit along with gravity maybe sufficient as well); and a second portion (not labeled) that is sizedand configured so as to be able to rest upon a portion of the horizontalplatform 50 (i.e., helping to prevent it from falling through the basinhole 76). Those first and second portions of the LED light 150 help toretain it in place relative to the platform 50, thus providing enoughstructure to make it removably mounted relative to the platform 50.Although not shown, it is to be understood that a further retentionmechanism (e.g., Velcro; releasable or permanent adhesive; magnets;etc.) could be employed with the LED light 150, as well, to help keep itin place.

In embodiments not shown, LED light 150 may be molded into platform 50in an approximately flush mount configuration such that the horizontalplatform is slidably retractable. For example, the molded-in LED light150 may extend beyond a top and a bottom of the outer portion ofplatform 50 by less than approximately ½ inch so that the platform isslidably retractable. Alternatively, LED 150 may be molded into platform50 and have a top and/or bottom end extendable away from the top and/orbottom surface, respectively, of the platform 50 when in use, in orderto better illuminate a surface of the platform 50, and may beretractable to less than approximately ½ inch when not in use. Inanother configuration, LED light 150 may be affixed to the bottom side74 (not shown in FIG. 2) of platform 50, or be configured to illuminatean environment underneath platform 50.

Referring now to FIGS. 13a and 13 b, in an embodiment, the platform 50,as part of its outer portion 58, may incorporate on the bottom surface74 thereof a wireless charger 152. The wireless charger 152 is acommercially available unit (e.g., LG Techtop sold by LG Hausys andDupont Corian Charging unit), and it facilitates the wireless chargingof any various electronic devices which are placed in sufficientproximity thereto (e.g., on the opposed top surface portion (not shown)of the platform 50, relative to the wireless charger 152). In order tomake sure that the wireless charger 152 is close enough to the upper/topsurface 84 of the platform 50 and to aid retention of the wirelesscharger 152 relative to the platform 50, a charger receiver portion 154may be formed (e.g., by routing, molding, surface mounted, etc.) withinthe bottom surface 74 of the platform 50. The chargertransmitter/receiver portion 154 should be integrated enough such thatthe intervening platform material does not attenuate the wirelesscharging signal to a degree that the charging becomes inefficient. Theconfiguration (e.g., depth and/or closeness of fit) of the chargerreceiver portion 154 may be sufficient to hold the correspondingwireless charger 152 in place, but it is to be understood that asupplemental attachment mechanism (e.g., Velcro (hook and loop)fastener, threaded fastener, adhesive, etc.) could be employed to helphold the wireless charger 152 in place.

Continuing with FIGS. 13a -13 b, in various embodiments, charger 152 mayconvey power to one or more electronic devices disposed on or adjacentto platform 50 using one or more of the following charging mechanisms:magnetic inductive technologies, near field or far field RF (radiofrequency) or microwave energy, electromagnetic fields, RF chiptechniques, magnetic resonance charging mechanisms, infrared, ultrasoundtransmission being received by a receiver element such as an antenna andconverted to DC, capacitive coupling, radiative and non-radiativetechnologies, magnetic phase synchronous coupling that use planar coilsto transfer power, and low or high frequency magneto dynamic couplingtechnologies using rotating magnets. In addition, power may be conveyedfrom the charger 152 utilizing a laser, inductive couplings between twoor more wire coil, or one or more antennas.

Storage cup 64 or the drink cup 148 may integrate electrical wiring orother wireless or charging mechanisms, including, for example, magneticinductive, near field radio frequency, RF chip, magnetic resonancecharging mechanisms, infrared, and capacitive coupling. Charger 152 maysupply AC/DC or USB power to electrical devices being stored within thebottom surface or integrated into the material of storage cup 64 (FIGS.1a -1 c, 2, 6 a-6 b, 7-8, and 10-11) or the drink cup 148 installed inbasin hole 76.

Referring now to FIGS. 14a -14 b, in an embodiment, the platform 50, aspart of its outer portion 58, may include at least a pair of basin holes76, one of which may be occupied by a charger port 156 (a commerciallyavailable unit) and another occupied, for example, by a storage cup 148.The charger port 156 includes a port mounting portion 156 a that issized and configured to be received and held within a correspondingbasin hole 76 via the surrounding top side 84 of the platform 50. Thecharger port 156 includes a port power-source portion 156 b carried bythe port mounting portion 156 a, and the port mounting portion 156 a andthe port power-source portion 156 b may define a slide fit connection158 therebetween. The port power-source portion 156 b may provide a topwireless charge surface 158 (the wireless charging unit being hiddenbelow it and within the port power-source portion 156 b) and at leastone USB outlet 160 therewith at location below the top wireless chargesurface.

The port power-source portion 156 b, via its slide connection with theport mounting portion 156 a, may be selectively deployed in a downposition flush with the top side 84 of the platform 50, able to receivea cell phone 62 or other electronic device thereon (FIGS. 14a and 14b )or in an up position protruding above that top side 84, thereby exposingthe USB outlet 160 for use (FIG. 14b ). The charger port 156 may employa power cord (not shown) to source power from a wall outlet or otheroutlet (not shown) or may instead be provided with batteries (notshown).

Alternatively, wireless charger 152 may source power for supplying theat least one electronic device by harvesting over-the-air energy fromone or more WiFi signals or from RF (radio frequency) power within theenvironment of the platform 50. Power harvesting may entail receipt ofradio wave energy via one or more coils or antennas and converting therecovered energy to an appropriate low-frequency AC or a DC signal forpowering one or more electronic device. Conversion may includerectification and/or filtering. Charger 152 may also use harvesting tosupplement source power being derived from an AC source such as a walloutlet, or provide backup power in the event of a power brownout orblackout. Harvesting source power may be provided in parallel with ACand/or DC power.

In an embodiment not shown, the platform 50, as part of bottom side 74of its outer portion 58, may carry a multi-plug outlet with a powercord, with standard outlets or electrical sockets (e.g., 2 or 3 prong;international-style electrical sockets; etc.) and/or USB outlets 160potentially available. It is to be understood that such a multi-plugoutlet cord could be permanently and/or releasably attached to thebottom side 74 of the platform 50, as desired. Platform 50 may includeone or more batteries (not shown) which allow various electronic devicesto be charged or powered via an HDMI, USB or type C hub interfaceconnector port. The one or more batteries may be disposed on theplatform or embedded or integrated into the platform.

Referring to FIGS. 13a-13b and 14a -14 b, in embodiments not shown,wireless charger 152 and charging surface 158 may provide power to oneor more electronic devices in contact with or adjacent to the charger152 or charging surface 158, including one or more of a video projector,a media remote control, a cell phone, a smart phone, an iPad, a laptopcomputer, an MP3 player, a PDA, a hearing aid, a video game controller,a video game console, an augmented reality device, or any electronicdevice having HDMI ports or wireless screen mirroring features andBluetooth connectivity. Wireless charger 152 may also provide power toone or more medical devices such as a biometric sensor, a medicaltherapeutic device, or a medical stimulation device situated on or nearthe platform 50. For example, a biometric sensor may include devices formonitoring vital signs of a user resting on a hospital bed or homefurniture such as blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart rate, or a medicalimplant. A medical therapeutic device may include electroporation (IRE)and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in breast cancer cells, an ultrasonicdevice transmitting electric nano-particles to address cancer, applyingan AC and/or DC electronic charge for cancer therapy, or a deviceapplying RF or microwave energy to cancerous areas of the body. Medicalstimulation devices may include a nerve stimulation device for managingpain, a defibrillator, electro-chemical cancer and tumor therapy, abreathing machine supporting a patient with sleep apnea, or aphotodynamic therapy device.

Referring now to FIGS. 15a -15 b, in an embodiment, the platform 50 maybe configured, in shape, decoration, color schemes, logos, or othermeans, to signify a character, a school, a college, a university, ateam, a group, an organization, a business, or some other known entity(e.g., via trademarking). Per the illustrated example, the shape of thehorizontal platform 50 may mimic a cartoon character or other figure(FIGS. 15a -15 b, where, for example, Mickey Mouse (Walt Disney Co.) isdepicted), wherein some recognizable feature 86 of the figure, such asthe ears, may align with an aspect of the portable shelf 50, such as alocation (e.g., a pocket hole 74 and/or basin hole 76) for receiving acollapsible cup holder or another receiver element. Other recognizablefeatures 86 (e.g., facial and/or other known characteristics) mayprovide further design aspects associated with the character. In theparticular instance, Mickey Mouse is depicted, but it is meant to beexemplary only and by no means limiting in the range of uses per thisembodiment. It is to be understood that the platform 50, in the contextof this embodiment, could readily be used for entertainment (e.g.,depicting a cartoon character) and/or for advertising (e.g., hotelbranding) purposes. It is to be understood that the recognizable feature86 may or may not serve an additional functional aspect, as can be seenfrom the “Mickey Mouse” example shown here.

Referring now to FIGS. 18a -18 e, in an embodiment, the platform 50, asconfigured in any appropriate and/or desired shape featuring any colorscheme or schemes, logos, and/or other aesthetic features, may includeone or more basin holes 76, one of which may be occupied by a projectorinsert 180. The projector insert 180 may include a spherical projector181 installed within a gimbal-style mount 182 that allows the optics 188of the projector 181 to be rotated or swiveled into a positionappropriate for the environment within which the projector insert 180 isoperating. The gimbal-style mount 182 may be sized and configured to bereceived and held within a corresponding basin hole 76 via thesurrounding top side 84 of the platform 50, as shown in FIGS. 18b -18 c,such that the platform 50 serves as a base for the projector insert 180.

In one embodiment, the gimbal-style mount 182 may take any shape thatallows the mount to be received within the basin hole 76 and may featurerounded, curved, beveled, or right-angled edges. The mount may employ africtional interference fit between the spherical projector 181 and agimbal receiver 184, which allows the projector 181 to be rotated and/orswiveled into and retained at multiple orientations relative to thegimbal receiver 184.

In another embodiment, the gimbal receiver 184 may include a rotatinggimbal system 186 such as the exemplary gimbal system shown in FIGS. 18d-18 e. In this embodiment, the gimbal system 186 may include arotational frame 189 that is rotationally mounted (e.g., via a series ofball bearings 187) to an inside surface of the gimbal receiver 184 suchthat the frame 189, and, in turn, the nested projector 181, may rotatewithin the gimbal receiver 184 about a z-axis defined by a center axisof the projector 181. The frame 189 may also include a pin 185 thatextends across and through a housing 181 b of the projector 181 suchthat the projector may simultaneously rotate about a y-axis defined bythe pin 185. By rotating the frame 189 relative to the gimbal receiver184, and by rotating the spherical projector 181 about the pin 185 orthe pin relative to the frame 189, the projector 181 may be adjusted toa variety of projection positions within the environment in which theplatform 50 is used.

In use, the projector insert may be inserted into one of the basin holes76 before the projector 181 is rotated until the projector optics 188are directed toward and maintained in a desired projection directionsuch as, for example, toward a desired portion of a wall, ceiling, or ascreen 183 positioned within the room. To achieve the desiredpositioning of the projector optics 188, the projector 181 may bemanually rotated in the manner discussed above.

In some embodiments, the projector may include a variety of projectionand/or communication features, either alone or in various combinations.Such features may include, for example, built-in speakers, a USB and/ormicro-USB connector port, an HDMI connector port, an SD card connectorport, an on-board central processing unit (e.g., CPU, microprocessor),and/or video projection streaming capabilities. Projector insert 180 mayalternatively project (instead of video images onto screen 183)holographic images onto open space in the room of the platform 50.

In one embodiment, the projector 181 may be battery powered or poweredby on-board power inputs present on the platform 50. For example, theprojector 181 may be powered by the wireless charger 152 of FIGS.13a-13b or the power-source portion 156 b, including the USB outlet 160,provided by the charger port 156 of FIGS. 14a -14 b. The projector 181may also be powered via an ac/dc power cord configured to plug into anearby electrical wall outlet or any other appropriate connectors orcords configured to plug into the power inputs present on the platform50.

In another embodiment, the projector 181 may incorporate a communicationsystem that provides network communication abilities. An exemplarycommunication system may include one or more analog switches, servers,IP gateways, PBX systems, etc. For example, in some embodiments, thecommunication system may be operable to provide communications through anetwork, which may include, for example, the Internet. Additionally oralternatively, the network may include wireless cellular networks, aBluetooth communication channel, or the like. In this embodiment, thegimbal-style mount 182 may include a motor (not shown) that isconfigured to actuate the gimbal system 186 and that may be operatedremotely via a user's networked device such as, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer. In some embodiments, the user's device mayalso be used to operate the projector optics 188, in addition to thegimbal-style mount 182, via a downloadable or web accessible controlapplication.

In embodiments not shown, the projector 181 may be operated by andconnected to an Android phone, a Blackberry OS phone device, a Googlephone device, a Huawei phone device, iOS phone devices, Windows phonedevices, a PC, laptops, game consoles, and other electronic devices thathave HDMI ports or wireless screen mirroring features and Bluetoothconnectivity. The projector may also be integrated with two-way videocall applications available on smart phones or laptops, where theprojector projects an image of the party in conversation with the user.Also, the user may use one of the above communications devices withprojector 181 to monitor a remote location such as a surveillance cameraoutside the user's house or other location.

The projector insert 180 and its components may each be formed of anyappropriate material or combination of materials. In one embodiment, aspherical body of the projector 181, the gimbal receiver 184, therotational frame 189, and/or any other appropriate component may be 3-Dprinted from an appropriate 3-D printable plastic (e.g., polyamide,Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), resin), metal (e.g., stainlesssteel, titanium), and/or ceramic.

In other embodiments not shown, the projector insert 180 may rest onplatform top side 84 without being inserted into a basin hole or otherfitting, and may be removed from the platform 50 and placed upon anyappropriate surface in the room, household, or commercial building inwhich the platform resides, thereby allowing the user to rotate andadjust the screen 183 size and video direction angle from any desiredposition. Platform 50 may include an integrated wireless controller withBluetooth and/or WiFi capability in order to control or facilitatecommunication among one or more electronic devices such as theprojector, a laptop, a smart phone, or a video game console. Thewireless controller may thereby also extend the distances between whichelectronic devices associated with the platform 50 can be interconnectedand coordinated. The integrated wireless controller may be powered by anAC line cord, a set of batteries, or the wireless charger 152. Thewireless controller may be embedded in platform 50 or affixed to thebottom 74 or top surface 84. A user may then turn on a smart phone,computer, laptop, video game console or game controller, or open an appon their electronic device, and may then, through the integratedwireless controller, stream a movie, play a video game, text, chat,communicate by voice or video or augmented reality device, or interactwith others by placing their electronic device on or near the shelf. Theelectronic data may then be transmitted through the shelf and to theprojector for communication.

Continuing, the integrated wireless controller may include softwarecapable of initiating video streaming, projecting, video gaming, text,chat, or voice or video upon detecting the presence of an activatingelectronic device placed on or adjacent to the shelf. The activation mayoccur once the software detects an initiation of said streaming,projecting, etc., or when the wireless charger detects a charging loadoffered by one or more of the electronic devices. Management of theabove communications through the integrated wireless controller may beaccomplished through one or more of the participating electronic devicesand/or through a separate manager associated with the wirelesscontroller. Thus, a source of video streaming (e.g. a smart phone nearthe platform 50) may initiate a video and trigger, through theintegrated wireless controller, the projection of a video image onto awall, and thereby direct a ‘smart beam’ onto a projection screen.

Continuing with other embodiments, the platform 50 with the integratedwireless controller may facilitate the operation and charging of anelectronic game controller by Nintendo, PlayStation, or Xbox whileallowing a simultaneous projection of the gaming images, thus enhancingthe experience of the user. Alternatively, the projector may beconfigured to communicate directly with the game controller to projectan image of the gaming images while the wireless charger charges thegame controller.

The platform 50 may include HDMI, USB or type C hub interface connectorports disposed thereupon for allowing the projector or other devices totransmit an electronic signal, video and or a holographic image. Amedical diagnostic processor, useful for home or hospital carescenarios, may be integrated with the platform, and which may be amedical version of the integrated wireless controller and software. Forexample, using the platform/shelf having an integrated diagnosticprocessor, a medical device on or near the platform may transmit a usersheart rate, pulse, or blood pressure to a smart phone associated withthe platform or to the shelf's built in connector port to store andtransmit medical information to the projector and/or facilitate directcommunication with a doctor at a remote location. The diagnosticprocessor may include artificial intelligence for diagnosing a patientthrough an augmented reality application or augmented reality softwarewhich communicates with a virtual assistance medical facility. Theplatform with wireless charger and diagnostic processor may transmit awireless charge and/or transfer of power and/or a signal to one or moremedical implantable devices in the human body, including a pacemaker,micro implants for targeted nerve stimulation, and bio-electronicmedicines. Implants within the body may be powered by radio frequency(RF) waves. The platform/shelf with an integrated wireless controller,and appropriate electronic devices, may include an emergency call buttonfor alerting police, ambulance, fire department, or a family member.

Referring now to FIGS. 16a -16 b, in an embodiment, the platform 50 maybe used in conjunction with other cushioned furniture, such as, by wayof example only, a couch 162, as shown in FIG. 16 b, or a patio orlounge chair (not shown). In the illustrated variant, the platform 50may be in the form of a narrow plank with at least one basin hole 76 fordirectly or indirectly (e.g., via a collapsible basin 64 or a storagecup 148, not shown here) carrying, for example, a cup 140, a glass (notshown), or beverage container 68 therein. The platform in the form ofthe plank 50 may be made of any various materials as suggested for otherforms of the platform 50 and should be wide (e.g., 4 inches or more)enough to serve (in terms of both area and strength) as a carrying spacefor one or more remote controls, beverages, or the like, but may also belimited in its width (e.g., 7 inches or less), so as to not interferesubstantially with the amount of room available for the legs of the oneor more users of the given piece of furniture. That said, it is also beunderstood that, especially where a larger couch 162 is involved, awider platform 50 could be employed so as to allow more items to becarried on or by the platform 50.

Similar to the means used to support a platform 50 within the bed 70, aninner portion 52 of the platform 50 is inserted between and therebysupported by an upper cushion member 168 (akin to a mattress 54 in thecontext of the bed 70) and a lower cushion support member or furniturebase 170 (akin to the mattress supporting structure or box springs 56).Thus, in terms of the current and previous examples, the upper cushionmember 168 of a given piece of furniture, in the broadest sense, may beany of a mattress or a cushion of a chair or sofa, and lower cushionsupport member 170 thereof may be in the form of a box spring, a bedframe, a bunk bed board or support, a seat base, a chair base, or a sofabase. That is to say, in prior embodiments, where the bed 70 was thepiece of furniture shown, it is to be understood that the mattress 54served as the upper cushion member 168 and the mattress supportingstructure 56 served as the lower cushion support member 170.

Referring now to FIG. 17, in an embodiment, the platform 50 may beconfigured for use directly within the upper cushion member 168 itself.In the illustrated variant, the upper cushion member 168 may provide aplatform receiver opening 172 therein, into which the inner portion 52(not shown) of the platform 50 may be inserted. In the embodiment shown,the upper cushion member is in the form of a stadium cushion, and thepurpose of the lower furniture base 170 could be served, in part, by thepart of the cushion below the inner portion 52 (not labelled) and, inpart, for example, by an underlying stadium seat, bleacher, or set ofstands (not shown). It is to be understood that the platform 50 mayprovide the capacity to carry one or more drinks or other items (e.g.,directly or indirectly via a basin hole 76) and that the inner portion52 of the platform 50 may be permanently affixed within the uppercushion member or be removably inserted therein.

Referring now to FIGS. 19a -19 b, 20, and 21 a-21 b, in variousembodiments, platform 50 may be extended outward from the piece offurniture from an inner edge 129 of the platform by platform extension51 a. Platform extension 51 a may lie in the same horizontal plane asplatform 50 (FIGS. 19a-b ) and thereby provide an increased length ofouter portion 58 available for storing personal items of the user. Forexample, certain furniture, or beds (not shown) with bulky externalframes—such as a hospital bed—may block user access to part of outerportion 58 of the horizontal platform 50 once the inner portion 52 hasbeen suitably captured by the piece of furniture. Additionally,increasing the length of outer portion 58 extending outward from anypiece of furniture may provide a greater range of usable video directionangles when projecting an image from projector 181 onto screen 183 viaoptics 188. Platform 50 may include the wireless charger 158.

Referring to FIGS. 19a -19 b, in one embodiment, the platform extension51 a may be removably attachable to the inner portion 52 via extensiontabs 53 b (shown from the bottom side 74), providing a means for movingthe portable shelf between two or more pieces of furniture while keepinga consistent configuration of horizontal platform 50 established by theuser. For example, the user may use platform extension 51 a when athome, but then may wish to detach the tabs 53 b in order to travel witha lighter version of the portable shelf absent extension 51 a. Platform50 may also be equipped with one or more basin holes 76, andadditionally may be equipped with one or more of the flexible pocket 60and/or the collapsible basin 64 (not shown here).

Removable projector insert 180 may be inserted into basin hole 76 forprojecting images onto screen 183, and may be configured to communicatewith a Bluetooth speaker 190 disposed on the outer portion 58 ofplatform 50 for broadcasting audio associated with the imagesilluminated by projector 181. Speaker 190 may be integral to platform50, and may be positioned preferably on bottom side 74, but may also bepositioned on top side 84. Alternatively, the speaker 190 may utilize aWiFi connection to an audio source such as receiving audio from a laptopor a smart phone, and may be hardwired via a connector (not shown) to anaudio source such as the projector 181 or other electronic device.

The speaker 190 may be a conventional paper-cone style speaker, apiezoelectric device, a headphone jack, or any element providing a soundoutput in the range of human hearing from an electrical input. Thespeaker may be powered by wireless charger 158, by a rechargeablebattery (not shown), or by an external plug or power adapter. Built-inspeaker 190 may be voice activated with prompt commands through Alexa,Google voice, Apple Siri and/or other voice recognition communicationsoftware.

Continuing with FIG. 20, in an embodiment, platform extension 51 a mayinclude an intermediate vertical wall 51 b attaching to and elevatingthe horizontal plane of platform 50 above a plane of the platformextension 51 a slidably capturable between the upper and the lowercushions. Personal items being stored on platform 50 may thereby bebrought closer to a user positioned on the upper cushion, thuscompensating for a thicker upper cushion or particular needs of theuser. It is to be understood that although wall 51 b may preferably beat 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane, wall 51 b mayintersect platform 50 at any angle between 1 degree and 90 degrees.Beneficially, platform extension 51 a with wall 51 b may be configuredto mount to a hospital tray, such as a tray for serving food or forproviding bedside or over-lap support for user items such as reading orlaptop usage. As in FIG. 19 b, this right-angle version of platformextension 51 a may be removably attachable to horizontal platform 50 viaextension tabs 53 b or by other means known in the art such as adhesive,screws, clips, or rivets.

Referring now to FIGS. 21a -21 b, in various embodiments, platformextension 51 a may be hingedly attached to platform 50 at inner edge 129via extension hinge 53 a in order to facilitate up to 90 degrees ofdowntilting of the portable shelf when the platform extension 51 a isslidably captured between the upper and the lower cushion members. Anon-horizontal orientation of the platform 50 may be desirable forprojecting an image from projector insert 180 in basin hole 76 at ahorizontal or lower angle than would may otherwise be unattainable froma horizontally-oriented portable shelf. Alternatively, platformextension 51 a may be mounted in a vertical plane to a bed frame, bedtrim board, or other structures in the room where slidable capturing bythe upper and lower cushions is not available or desirable, therebyproviding a platform 50 positioned in a horizontal plane close to theuser.

Referring now to FIGS. 22a -22 b, in various embodiments, platformextension 51 a may be hingedly attached to platform 50 via extensionhinge 53 a in order to facilitate up to 90 degrees of downtilting of theportable shelf when the platform extension 51 a is slidably capturedbetween the upper and the lower cushion members. A non-horizontalorientation of the platform 50 may be desirable for projecting an imagefrom projector insert 180 in basin hole 76 at a horizontal or lowerangle than would may otherwise be unattainable from ahorizontally-oriented portable shelf. Furthermore, an offset portion 59may extend between platform extension 51 a and extension hinge 53 a.Offset portion 59 may include multiple components, including, forexample, an outer portion 59 a and an inner portion 59 b, which togetherform offset portion 59. In particular embodiments, offset portion 59 mayprovide a bridge or similar structure to allow positioning of platformextension 51 inside of a bed rail, or other similar support, whilepositioning platform 50 outside of the bed rail, or other similarsupport.

Referring now to FIG. 23, in various embodiments, platform extension 51a may be hingedly attached to platform 50 via extension hinge 53 a inorder to facilitate up to 90 degrees of downtilting of the portableshelf when the platform extension 51 a is slidably captured between theupper and the lower cushion members. Outer portion 58, which may includebasin hole 76, may further include battery charger devices. Such batterycharger devices may include, but are not limited to, an inductivecharging pad 1000, one or more charging ports 102, or other types ofcharging hardware. Furthermore, a battery (not shown) or another powersource (AC or DC) may be provided to the battery charger devices.Charging ports 102 may be one or both of data ports, power ports, orother similar type ports, such as a USB, USB-A, USB-C, or powerconnector.

Continuing, in various embodiments, the platform may be self levelingvia a hinge and/or other mechanisms for adjusting the platform whenattached to a hospital bed.

Although the above embodiments have been described in language that isspecific to certain structures, elements, compositions, andmethodological steps, it is to be understood that the technology definedin the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specificstructures, elements, compositions and/or steps described. Rather, thespecific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing theclaimed technology. Since many embodiments of the technology can bepracticed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portably suspended retractable shelf forstoring items proximate to a piece of furniture, comprising: ahorizontal platform defining a horizontal plane, the horizontal platformhaving an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner and the outerportions disposed upon the horizontal plane, and the inner portionadapted to be slidably captured between an upper cushion member and alower cushion support member; and a projector insert disposed on theouter portion of the horizontal platform and accessible to a user on theupper cushion member, wherein a portion of projector insert intersectsthe horizontal plane, wherein the projector insert is removable forallowing the horizontal platform to be slidably retracted under theupper cushion member; wherein the projector insert comprises a sphericalprojector rotationally attached to a gimbal-style mount such that thespherical projector is positionable at a plurality of orientationswithin the gimbal-style mount.
 2. The portable shelf of claim 1, furthercomprising a basin hole in the horizontal platform for installing theprojector insert.
 3. The portable shelf of claim 1, wherein thespherical projector is rotationally attached to the gimbal-style mountvia a frictional interference fit.
 4. The portable shelf of claim 1wherein: the gimbal-style mount comprises a gimbal receiver and arotating gimbal system configured to rotate about at least two axes; andthe spherical projector is rotationally coupled to the gimbal receivervia the rotating gimbal system.
 5. The portable shelf of claim 1,further comprising a Bluetooth speaker disposed within the horizontalplatform and configurable for communication with the sphericalprojector.
 6. The portable shelf of claim 1, further comprising awireless charger disposed within the horizontal platform and configuredto supply power to at least one electronic device disposed on or nearthe horizontal platform.
 7. The portable shelf of claim 6, wherein theelectronic device is the projector insert.
 8. The portable shelf ofclaim 6, wherein the at least one electronic device includes one or moreof a media remote control, a cell phone, a smart phone, an iPad, alaptop computer, an MP3 player, a PDA, a hearing aid, a video gamecontroller, a video game console, an augmented reality device, abiometric sensor, a medical therapeutic device, a baby monitor, anemergency weather radio, a two-way radio, a battery charger, an LEDlight, and a portable speaker.
 9. The portable shelf of claim 6, whereinthe wireless charger is configured to harvest over-the-air energy forsupplying the at least one electronic device from at least one of a WiFisignal and RF power within an environment of the platform.
 10. Theportable shelf of claim 1, wherein the portable shelf is configured interms of at least of shape, decoration, color schemes, and logos tosignify at least one of a character, a school, a college, a university,a team, a group, an organization, and a business.
 11. The portable shelfof claim 1, further comprising a platform extension extendable from theinner portion for increasing a length of the outer portion available forstoring the items.
 12. The portable shelf of claim 11, wherein theplatform extension is removably attachable to the inner portion withinthe horizontal plane and providing slidable capturing between the upperand the lower cushion members.
 13. The portable shelf of claim 11,wherein the platform extension is defined by a plane of the platformextension and includes an intermediate vertical wall for attaching toand elevating the horizontal platform above the plane of the platformextension.
 14. The portable shelf of claim 11, wherein the platformextension is hingedly attached to an inner edge of the inner portion ofthe horizontal platform to facilitate up to 90 degrees of downtilt inthe horizontal platform when the platform extension is slidably capturedbetween the upper and the lower cushion members.
 15. A portablysuspended retractable shelf for storing items proximate to a piece offurniture, comprising: a horizontal platform defining a horizontalplane, the horizontal platform having an inner portion and an outerportion, the inner and the outer portions disposed upon the horizontalplane, and the inner portion adapted to be slidably captured between anupper cushion member and a lower cushion support member; and a projectorinsert disposed on the outer portion of the horizontal platform andaccessible to a user on the upper cushion member, wherein the projectorinsert is removable for allowing the horizontal platform to be slidablyretracted under the upper cushion member; wherein the projector insertcomprises a spherical projector rotationally attached to a gimbal-stylemount configured to rest on or adjacent to the horizontal platform andthe spherical projector is positionable at a plurality of orientationswithin the gimbal-style mount.
 16. A method for portably suspending aretractable shelf for storing items proximate to an item of furniture,comprising: extending a horizontal platform from a bed or cushionedfurniture, the horizontal platform having an inner portion and an outerportion, the bed or the cushioned furniture comprising an upper cushionmember and a lower cushion support member; slidably capturing the innerportion between the upper cushion member and the lower cushion supportmember; disposing a projector insert on the outer portion of thehorizontal platform for access by a user adjacent the bed or thecushioned furniture, wherein the horizontal platform is capable of beingselectively retracted under the upper cushion member when not in use,the projector insert being removable for allowing the horizontalplatform to be slidably retracted under the upper cushion member; androtationally positioning a spherical projector of the projector insertsuch that an optics portion of the spherical projector projects light ina desired direction.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprisingdisposing a basin hole in the horizontal platform for receiving theprojector insert.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprisingpowering the projector insert with a wireless charger disposed withinthe horizontal platform.